Jason Hawk only came to his father’s funeral to spit on his grave. That was the best the old man deserved from the bastard son he’d never given a damn about. The son whose plan for revenge had now been derailed by Aaron Hawk’s death. Or had it?

Kendall Chase was Aaron Hawk’s smart and efficient executive assistant, and had come to know a side of the old man that few saw. But convincing Jason there had been more to his father, more to his whole life’s story than Jason knew, wasn’t easy. He was as tough as the father he hated. And more compelling than any man she’d ever met.

Convincing him the mysterious Hawk family book, a history now chronicling treachery and murder, had answers even for things yet to occur, was a much bigger job. Despite his attraction to her, the only part of Kendall’s stories Jason believes is that his father’s vicious widow is determined to see that Jason gets none of the inheritance left him.

In the end, Jason has to make a decision. Is the magic real? Or more importantly, is the revenge he’s wanted for nearly 30 years, worth losing Kendall

Originally published March 1996 in mass market paperback, writing as Justine Dare, by Topaz Books — this edition has some very minor changes.

When his dog, Cutter, leads Brett Dunbar to a dead body during a routine property check, it’s the detective’s hardest case yet. Because the victim was found on Sloan Burke’s land. Now Brett must balance professionalism and attraction—something nearly impossible when the beautiful widow’s determination puts her directly in the line of fire.

Seeing the heroic qualities she valued in her late husband reflected in Brett makes the protective wall around Sloan’s heart crumble. Brett won’t risk another relationship to his dangerous job, and Sloan refuses to have a future with a man constantly in danger. But solving the crime might be easier than letting each other go…

The Coalition has not given up on the jewel that is Trios, and this time they are determined not to conquer, but destroy.

A new generation will be tested.
Lyon—the son of a legendary Trios king.
Shaina—the daughter of an infamous skypirate.
Rina—a survivor haunted by the losses of the first rebellion.

Prince Lyon would rather strip naked in the square than allow Shaina Silverbrake bragging rights for rescuing him from anything, much less would be prince-nappers on Arellia. But what he wants and what destiny has planned for him are about to collide when a dark plot is uncovered by Rina. Lyon’s last adventure before royal duty claims him for life becomes a race for a powerful artifact, and the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance.

It has been a decade since King Dare and the flashbow warrior Dax reunited to protect their world. The Coalition has been driven out, but they have never given up on regaining the jewel that is Trios, and the battle is ongoing. The constant threat of the Coalition is a heavy load to carry, but it is made easier for King Dare and Dax by the presence of their mates, Queen Shaylah and Califa, and brightened immeasurably by their children, Lyon and Shaina.

At the urging of the queen, the families steal one single day away from the pressure, a day of rest spent at one of the few pristine spots left on their beloved planet, a place full of Dare’s family history—a place where they find hope in a treasure thought lost forever, and their children unexpectedly discover what could well be the miracle to keep Trios safe.

Hunted by the Coalition and haunted by his past, Dax Silverbrake is determined that those who conquered his planet, almost completely destroying the Triotian people, will not enslave his young ward. But to rescue her, he must also rescue a woman who wears the notorious Coalition slave collar—a woman whose secrets could destroy what is left of his soul.

An unforgivable past

Once an integral part of the Coalition command structure, collared slave Califa Claxton hides secrets that could mean her death by rebels and the Coalition alike. Her biggest fear is that the one act of courage which left her collared may never be enough to erase the past or give her a future.

One chance, two souls who need redemption

An unexpected and white-hot passion might change everything—if they can put the past behind them, and risk everything for the rebellion.

Originally published February 1995, writing as Justine Dare, in mass market paperback for Topaz Books.

Shaylah Graymist, ace fighter pilot for a brutal intergalactic Coalition, is given a slave as a reward for heroism in battle. The incredibly virile slave named Wolf wears a collar which controls him completely, allowing her to make him do anything she wants. Yet Shaylah has an old-fashioned belief in love and refuses to take advantage of him. A tense friendship grows between her and Wolf, along with deep desires he refuses to admit. The Coalition destroyed his people. He won’t betray their memory.

When Shaylah returns to battle, Wolf rebels and is sold to a prison colony. She frees him, and together they journey to his home planet. As she learns more about Wolf, she begins to question her loyalty to the Coalition, and the passions between them burn out of control.

Originally published July 1994 in mass market paperback for Topaz Books.

For Drew Kiley, married life isn’t what he had in mind. Driven to “I do” by a sense of familial responsibility, he assumes the role of husband to his brother’s wife, Alyssa...and the role of father to his nephew, Luke. It seems to be the logical solution in light of his brother’s abandonment. But Drew doesn’t know the whole truth about his brother’s past. A rescue from a canine companion sets Drew and Alyssa on a perilous course of extortion, kidnapping and secrets unveiled. United in their determination to protect Luke, Drew and Alyssa learn to depend on each other. But as tensions escalate, so does a deep undercurrent of desire that casts their marriage in a different light.

Weeping in front of customers isn’t Laney Adams's style. She would have gone unnoticed if Security expert Teague Johnson hadn’t come to her grooming shop to pick up his boss’s dog, Cutter. Something about Teague—or maybe it’s the uncannily perceptive canine—compels her to open up about her best friend who’s gone missing and how she feels responsible. The confession reminds Teague of his own secret guilt. He can’t turn away. With the help of the Foxworth Foundation—and Cutter—Laney and Teague launch a dangerous search that leads to unexpected twists...and undeniable passion.

What does the dog know? When Kayla meets Cutter, the big, brown Belgian, she’s at a crossroads. She’s certain she’s about to clear her brother of her parents’ murder. But Dane, her longtime love, is just as sure that she’s wasting her life. One man needs her. The other, apparently, doesn’t... Although it breaks her heart, the choice is made.

Only, Dane Burdette isn’t going anywhere. As loyal as that dog, he still loves the beautiful girl next door, even if her life has been derailed. And when danger comes back to their small town, he knows she—and their love—is at risk. Kayla has made her quest her life. Neither Dane nor Cutter will let it take her life, too.

A series of kidnappings of Amish teenage girls hits too close to home for FBI agent Emma Colton. The dark violence of her world has touched the simple Amish community neighboring her hometown—and she’s determined to make things right. Unfortunately, a forbidden attraction to Paradise Ridge’s most eligible widower is a major step toward wrong.

Carpenter Caleb Troyer doesn’t expect to love again, especially an Englisher with her own haunted secrets. Protecting Emma is second nature as she fights to restore the peace in his home—and in his heart. But one false move could destroy everything. The closer she comes to finding his sister, the closer danger comes to finding them....

Being spirited away—with her dog, Cutter—by armed men in a black helicopter is the last thing Hayley Cole ever expects. And why is her usually savvy dog so friendly toward their lean, dark-haired leader? She’s determined to escape. Unfortunately, Quinn with his intense, searching gaze is always three steps ahead—and much, much too close....

For Quinn Foxworth, control equals safety. Taking Hayley is the only way his undercover witness-protection team can protect her and their client. But convincing her he’s one of the good guys is easier than guarding himself from her innocent courage. And with danger closing in, can he risk letting Hayley into his heart for good?

Maggie Scott knows better than to trust again. When her marriage deteriorated, she went on the lam. Hiding out in the Pacific Northwest, she thinks she’s safe. She even finds herself falling—just a little—for a laid-back boat bum who makes the Puget Sound his temporary home.

For Cooper Grant, working as a private investigator simply means more time on his boat—until he meets Maggie. After taking on the job of finding her for the man he believes is her brother, he realizes he’s in over his head. And as the perfect storm of danger and deception is thrust upon them, keeping her safe becomes his obsession....

Luke McGuire was everything shy Amelia Blair had been fascinated by as a girl but too terrified to go near. And now here she was, the only person in the whole town decent enough to give him the time of day, caring enough to stand up for him.... For his part, Luke didn’t need the town’s nasty stares to know that Amelia was off-limits. But then, reformed or not, he’d never been one to abide by the rules. He only hoped that the quiet beauty would fall for the man he had become instead of the one he used to be.

Originally published October 2000 in Silhouette Intimate Moments #1036.

In his old life as a Federal agent, Wyatt Blake lived wild. But now that he’s parenting a teenage son, “square” is a name he wears with pride. Too bad Jordy doesn’t agree. The only one who gets through to the boy is Kai Reynolds. Sure, she seems respectable now, but she used to be quite wild herself. Or so Wyatt’s heard.

Danger finds Jordy, and drags Kai in, too. As Wyatt and Kai investigate the drug dealers targeting his son, they uncover a deadly link to Wyatt’s own past. Now this unlikely duo needs to find the wild side each had thought long buried—for Jordy, and maybe for each other.

When she’s kidnapped, Taylor Burke is shocked to see her new coworker, Angus Kincaid, holding the gun. She later kisses him just to aggravate his partner and is even more shocked that she likes it. Could she be falling for the bad guy, or does Kincaid have other surprises up his sleeve?

The February 14th Secret by Cindy Dees

Colt McQuade is a soldier with a secret, and Layla Freeman is the one person who can unravel it. But someone else wants the information, too, sending the couple on the run. They’ll do everything they can to protect Colt’s precious knowledge—and guard their hearts in the process.

Redstone, Inc., pilot Tess Machado is awaiting her boss when two armed men muscle their way onto her plane in the middle of the California wilderness. It’s Josh Redstone—of the Redstone empire—they want. But Tess isn’t giving up the man she secretly loves—not without a fight.

Josh always knew this day would come. Being the head of Redstone put a giant target on his back. The kidnappers on board the Hawk V are armed and dangerous, but they’re forgetting one glaring detail. No one—no one—puts his Tess in harm’s way and gets away with it.

Will Tess and Josh admit what’s been so obvious to others...before they’re silenced forever?

Something in St. John’s intense blue eyes reminded Jessa Hill of her childhood friend. But Adam Alden was long dead....

The handsome stranger had vowed to help her defeat Adam’s father in the mayoral race. Yet St. John’s quest for revenge seemed too personal for a casual acquaintance. Could St. John and Adam be the same man...and would he disappear with Jessa’s heart a second time?

Dameron St. John returned home with a new identity and a score to settle. But he wasn’t prepared for the emotions that surfaced when he reunited with Jessa. Could he let her in once again...and together would they slay his demons once and for all?

Redstone computer genius Ryan Barton needed a favor from the last woman he wanted to see. Two years ago, stunning but cool Sasha Tereschenko left him without a word after a night of fiery passion. Now the missing-children expert was the only one who could help him find his sister. Was reuniting with Sasha worth the risk of losing his guarded heart for good?

Unwanted thrills shuddered through Sasha the second she'd heard Ryan's voice. Total opposites, she knew fun-loving Ryan had never wanted anything more than a casual romp—she was sure of it. Now she'd do anything to save his sister from an online predator, except fall for Ryan's carefree charms...again.

Bad boy turned undercover agent Ryder Colton had come home to Texas to bust a baby-smuggling ringnot deliver a baby! But he couldn't turn his back on the pregnant woman he found at Hopechest Rancha woman whose smoldering beauty haunted him long after he'd left. A woman he thought he'd never see again.

Then her child was kidnapped.

Ana Morales never forgot the handsome stranger who'd helped her only to vanish into the night. Now he was her last hope. As danger and desire rocked Ana's world, her only safe haven was Ryder's arms, where she'd fight for a love that had blossomed against all odds.

He makes her uncomfortable. Edgy. But as strange accidents befall Lilith Mercer and Tony Alvera becomes her bodyguard, she realizes that her wariness of the street-rough, enigmatic, younger Redstone operative covers an all-consuming attraction. Soon, hiding her feelings becomes next to impossible.

No one could protect Lilith better than Tony. Maybe he'll never be good enough for the classy executive, but he trusts her safety to no other. Then one explosive night changes everything between themand to save Lilith, Tony must go back to the streets and expose secrets that may forever set them apart.

Gabriel Taggert. Former naval officer, man of honorand her best friend's husband. Cara Thorpe's feelings for the one man she could never have had always been her own shameful secret. And when her best friend disappeared without a trace, she lost them both. Until a postcard arrived, eight years late....

Receiving an eight-year-old message from her best friend was disturbing enough. Now Cara had to face the man she'd quietly loved for years. Would teaming up with Gabe on a dangerous hunt for the truth jeopardize their own lives...and the chance for a future together?

Newbie at the famous Redstone Incorporated she might be. But Liana Kiley knew an innocent man when she saw one. Especially when he was the lawman who'd once saved her life, then captured her heart.

Detective Logan Beck would do anything to keep Liana away from the corruption charges that dirtied his record and now endangered his life. But the stubborn redhead wouldn't take "Go away" for an answer. And now he didn't know which was more threateningthe hero-worship he saw in her beautiful eyes, or the primal urge to protect this woman who could never be his....

Security agent Reeve Fox had never wanted to see Zack Westin again. Their mutual attraction had caused trouble the moment they met. And the last time she saw him was the most traumatic day in both their liveshe lost a son and she blamed herself.

Now they've been reunited by their boss, Josh Redstone. Since they've been thrown together in an urgent case, their shared grief no longer has any boundaries left to crossexcept for their decision as to whether it will divide them or unite them.

The women of Athena Academy were becoming known as a force for justice around the world. And when new clues surfaced about the decade-old murder of Athena Academy founder and U.S. senator Marion Gracelyn, FBI forensic scientist Alexandra Forsythe jumped to investigate the stone-cold case.

With fellow Athena alums and special agent Justin Cohen rallying to the cause, Alex uncovered an intricate web of deceit and murder. The evidence she uncovered could send shock waves around the nation: D.C.'s corridors of power and privilege were harboring a ruthless killer. And this time, all Alex's special skills couldn't protect those she loved from the killer's wrath....

Struggling single mom Grace O'Conner hadn't wanted Redstone security chief John Draven reentering her life and reminding her of the past. But she had no choicethe project she was supervising was being sabotaged, and someone wanted her dead. Once again, she needed Draven's help.

A tropical island might be a relaxing vacation spot for some, but not for John Draven. Not if Grace O'Conner, the stubborn beauty he'd never been able to forget, was there. Haunted by his role in the tragic event that had inalterably changed Grace's life, Draven was granted one last chance to protect the woman who should have been his. And this time, he would never let her go.

IN HIS SIGHTSSilhouette Intimate Moments #1318Redstone, Incorporated Series
September 2004
ISBN: 0-373-27388-6

She was a suspect in his investigation...but Redstone employee Kate Crawford was also the most captivating woman securities expert Rand Singleton had ever known. Despite the protective feelings she stirred, he couldn't reveal his true identity. He'd been sent to do a job. Getting emotionally involved with the vulnerable beauty wasn't an option.

Kate could think of only one reason why an enigmatic, charm-oozing man like Rand was in townhe was up to something. And she had too much at stakeprofessionally and emotionallyto fall prey to a seductive stranger's schemes. Still, with Rand's knee-weakening caresses wreaking havoc on her heartstrings, would she be able to expose his secrets before he uncovered hers?

PROOFThe launch title for Bombshell books
June 2004
ISBN: 0-373-51316-X

Silhouette Bombshell books 
experience a world of suspense and adventure
where strong, sexy, savvy women save the day!

The women of Athena force shared a bond beyond all others . . .
Now one of their own had been murdered.

Top-notch forensic scientist Alexandra Forsythe returned to Athena to prove that the death of her dearest friend had been no accident. Armed with only her razor-sharp mind and coolness under fireand the memory of a desperate call for helpAlex set out to uncover a truth that could shake the foundations of the academy that had trained her. Her digging provoked deadly retaliation and the attentions of a stranger who might lead her toward the truthor her death. Because in the race for final proof, only the most determined would survive....

Millionaire treasure hunter Harlan McClaren's last adventure had nearly cost him his life. All he wanted now was to be alone, and this distant port - where nobody knew his true identity -- seemed the perfect place. But then an innocently seductive young woman stepped aboard his sailboat and asked his help in solving a deadly mystery....

From that first moment, Emma Purcell was entranced by this mysterious stranger with the haunted eyes and the shadowed past. But she couldn't let herself be distracted from her desperate search -- even as she ached to give herself to a man who could be the key to the secrets that had brought her here....

A powerful man is murdered in his home, and not even his wealth and privilege can hide the trail of scandal he left behind. A scandal that is about to be unmasked by Chicago's top agencies . . .

No one keeps secrets from Death in this bold new collection by bestselling authors.

ONE OF THESE NIGHTSSilhouette Intimate Moments #1201Redstone, Incorporated Series February 2003
ISBN: 0-373-27271-5

Corporate security expert Samantha Beckett knew that sexy electronics genius Ian Gamble would balk at a bodyguard, so she decided posing as his neighbor was the best way to keep an eye on him. Professionally speaking, of course.... Ian Gamble thought that acquiring the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen as his next-door neighbor was too good to be true. When he finds out the truth he has to decide...was she just following orders, or following her heart?